Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Help!

Update: I have to sincerely thank everyone for all the terrific idea. My mind was a blank this morning trying to come up with a possibility, especially I don't know much about pre-teen girls. I truly appreciate all of your suggestions. I promise to share pictures of what I come up with.
My cousin just called and invited to her daughter's birthday party in a couple of weeks. They recently moved back to New York and we haven't yet had a chance to get together. It has been a really long time since we've seen them and I can't wait.

The problem? I don't know what sort of gift to give the birthday girl. What do 10 year old girls like? I have no clue. I briefly considered making her a lap quilt. I even ran to my studio, threw open one of my stash drawers and selected some charm packs to use. But reality quickly set in and when I went over in my mind what is going on next week, there is no way I'd get it done in time. Though I'd really like to give her something homemade.

So this is where I need your help. P.L.E.A.S.E. Pretty please with sugar on top! Those of you with girls around this age or those of you that know girls around this age, please give me suggestions and even blog post links to pictures and/or tutorials, if you can. It needs to be something that I can accomplish very quickly but hopefully is really cool.

This cousin has always held a very special place in my heart and we had hoped that our kids would grow up close. But when they moved to Georgia over 7 years ago, that hope went out the window. Now that they are back local-ish, that hope is renewed and I am so excited that they will finally be able to meet Jammer and Sunshine in person.

Thank you so much for helping this slightly panicked quilty friend out.


18 of you added your own colorful comments:

Lisa Cox said...

What about a purse or a messenger bag that she can carry books to school in?

blocksandmore said...

I like the messenger bag : ) How about a journal/ doodle diary with personalized ( your scraps ) cover to go inside ?

Michele said...

I like the messenger bag idea a lot. Any clue as to where to find a really good tutorial? I haven't made any bags before so I don't want something really complicated.

Thanks bunches!

Michele said...

Interesting idea too but I don't know if she journals/writes in a diary or doodles. I haven't seen her since she was 3. After this initial visit, I'll definitley know more about her likes and taste.

Michele T said...

I made my nieces monogram pillows and they were a hit!! For each one I designed something unique and embellished the pillows with ribbon, embroidery stitches, and beads. I also used different colours of matching fabrics in a sort of Log Cabin pattern with a huge monogram letter in the middle.

Melziebelle said...

I have a hard time following bag tutorials (LOL) but I have made this particular one about 10 times or more, I can whip one out in about an hour now. I like to use some corduroy on the outside and cotton on the inside, or some lightweight canvas or even denim. Good luck!
xoxo melzie
http://blog.lulalouise.com/2008/01/reversible-shoulder-bag-tutorial.html

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I'm with MiMi - monogram pillow would be a great gift for a 10 year old. Maybe some bumpy, bright minky on the back!!!

beaquilter said...

how about a bag or portfolio i have a neat pattern for one, with a note pad and pencil, then a box of color pencils or markers? but like someone said, aa nice bag or something like that..

Samantha said...

I see someone already said purse. When my daughter was about that age is when she started wanting to carry a purse. She owns tons of purses and messenger bags now. My daughter loved purses with lots of pockets. :D

pklaw said...

Animal print pajama pants & a cute appliqué t-shirt? It think animal prints are in for most anything - bags, pillows, etc!

Maria Kievit said...

Does she have barbies? Try making some clothes for it. Usually not a hard chore, and the patterns that I used to buy are fairly easy to read and follow. I think that they still sell them. I also like the above comment of pj pants. Usually quick and easy. Good luck in finding something homemade.

Vicki said...

I'd go with the pillow Put her name on it I've made many pillow covers usefor any size pillow form and you could make it a tradition to give a new cover for any occasion I'll see if I can find a tute

Vicki said...

http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/01/easy-decrotive-pillow-slip-covers.html Here is they way I do it

Julianne said...

I'd make her a great big modern style quilted pillow for her bed! Lots of bright prints and polka dots...maybe a paper pieced star??? Envelope style with Minky on the back?

Janet said...

Another idea that could be simple and quick is a flirty skirt from some beautiful fabric. Sorry I don't know any links to patterns but there are lots out there in blogland.

Pippa Parsons said...

purse, pillow, bag, pencil case, covered notebook/diary, keychain

Carol said...

My niece is that same age. She LOVES patterns by Michelle patterns and I've used some of the retired patterns in children's sewing classes too. I just made her the ditty bags and she wants the hipster. Messenger bags are also a hit with that age.The key is the fabric.

Carol said...

forgot to give the link
http://www.michellepatterns.com/